benefits

Replenishes skin and maintains moisture levels.

Helps nourish and condition.

Rinses off easily.

how to use

Following the application of PreCleanse, apply to dampened face and throat, massaging with light, upward strokes. Concentrate on any areas of excessive dryness and impurities. Rinse with warm water. Follow with Multi-Active Toner or Soothing Protection Spray and prescribed Dermalogica Moisturizer.

quick tip

Never use hot water when cleansing: this strips the skin of the natural oils critical to maintainin hydration levels.

Dermalogica is dedicated to maintaining the accuracy of the ingredient lists on this website. However, because ingredients are subject to change, we cannot guarantee that these lists are complete, up-to-date and/or error-free. For an accurate listing of ingredients in each product, please refer to your product packaging.

how it works

All Dermalogica products are made in the USA and are free of artificial fragrances, artificial colors, drying S.D. alcohol, and ingredients like Mineral Oil – all of which are known to exacerbate common skin concerns.
With cutting-edge formulas and powerful ingredients, you can be assured you’re giving your skin what it needs to be healthy, and stay healthy, for a lifetime.
Maximize your product results! Use Dermalogica products as prescribed by your Face Mapping® skin analysis, available only from a Dermalogica Professional Skin Therapist.

When used in tandem with other cleanser like Pre Cleanse to remove makeup, it leaves my face radiant and very clean without feeling dry and ready for moisturizing and other Age Smart skin care products. However, my main objection is that the product comes in a stiff plastic bottle (8.4 oz size) that you have to squeeze in order to get the solution out. This is a BIG problem if you have any arthritis in your hands!! I was told that I need to buy the next size up which has a pump attachment to get the product out. That is NOT OK.

This is seems to be an oil based cleanser and although it moisturized my skin so well that i didn't need an additional moisturizer some days, i noticed that it did not clean the skin properly. I used it for about a week and my face just felt dirty all the time. I went back to using Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel.

How old are you?:

35-44

Bottom LineNo, I would not recommend this to a friend

Merchant response: Hello,

Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. I apologize for your negative experience. For best results, we recommend a Nightly Double Cleanse. Additionally, Essential Cleansing Solution is a cream cleanser. Some people prefer a foaming cleanser like Special Cleansing Gel.

Instead of buying yet another cheap drugstore cleanser, I decided to try the essential cleansing solution. The essential cleansing solution is well worth the price. I have dry skin with acne breakouts. This cleanser doesn't break me out and it moisturizes my face without feeling oily. I would highly recommend to those wanting a high quality face wash, especially for those with dry skin.

I have been using the essential cleansing solution since 2003 and I have never changed to other brands since. I used to have allergy skin and combination skin. Now I have clear complexion and people tells me that my skin glows. I believe it does not dehydrate my skin and helps keep moisture under my skin.

I have break out prone skin, a bit oily but also flakey and dry so I'm not sure what product to use. I'm using the clearing skin wash, daily microfoliant, mult active toner and active moist. I'm considering using the essential cleansing lotion to help balance my combination skin.

Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. It sounds like you are dehydrated. Essential Cleansing Solution is oil rich and will do nothing for dehydrated skin and might make you break out more. Instead, try Special Cleansing Gel. It will deep clean without over drying. use the size of a pea with lots of water.

You can also mix Skin Hydrating Booster into Active Moist. Skin Hydrating Booster is a hydrating, oil-free serum.

Kind Regards,The Dermalogica team

Answered on 11/17/2016 by Bernadette from Los Angeles

Q:

Hello!

Does essential cleansing solution remove make up and sunscreen?I have very sensitive skin and is currently using the ultra calming series by Dermalogica. I am worried about not completely removing the sunscreen with just one cleanser. Is it advisable to use this cleanser at night? Or is precleanser better? Are these suitable for my ultra sensitive skin?

Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. Essential Cleansing Solution can be used twice daily and is for mature or dry skin. Special Cleansing Gel can also be used twice daily and is for all skin types.

Kind Regards,

Bernadette

Answered on 9/8/2016 by DermalogicaSkinTherapist from Los Angeles

CUSTOMER CARE

A:

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. Neither cleanser will dry out the skin. If you are not oily, please use Essential Cleansing Solution. If you are combination, you can use Special Cleansing Gel.

Kind Regards,The Dermalogica Team

Answered on 9/30/2016 by Bernadette from Los Angeles

Q:

Is this product gluten free?: I have a gluten allergy and was wondering if the essential cleansing solution is gluten free? Also, I would like to know what other products of yours are gluten free. I love your products but I have a severe reaction to wheat and gluten.

Thank you for your question and interest in Dermalogica. Please find below a list including all the retail products that contain grain derivatives. After completing Gluten Analysis testing on all of our wheat containing products the conclusion is that only one is suggested to be avoided by a gluten intolerant or Celiac. This is Extra Firming Booster.

I had a dermalogica facial on the same day as face mapping, 2 days later my skin was sloughing so I went back the salon and I was given thermofoliant to use for next week every other day. Worked really well and calmed skin.

4 weeks into using products:-

Raised bumps on chin/ hard tender nodules- never had before

Dryness/flaky inbetween eyebrows, nose and above lip and chin-

Is this normal 4 weeks after starting dermalogica?

Do I need a different cleanser as my skin feels a little tight immediately after using special cleansing gel?

Thank you for your question. Do you have any known allergies? What type of treatment did you receive? It is possible for the skin to detox while using Dermalogica products. Additionally, please use only the size of a pea when using Special Cleansing Gel, with lots of water. As it is highly concentrated.

Kind Regards,The Dermalogica Team

Answered on 3/1/2016 by DermalogicaSkinTherapist from Los Angeles

Q:

Would you recommend this cleanser to a teenager with a bit of dry skin?: If not, which product is best for her?

No, probably not. I think this particular cleanser might be too rich for teenage skin which could also be prone to breakouts.

Answered on 1/20/2015 by Greenie from New york

A:

I am an adult with oily skin and love the Essential Cleansing Solution! I would get a skin analysis and see WHY her skin is dry. Does it need a moisturizer? Is she over-cleansing? Is the product she is using now too harsh? Dermalogica also makes a line of products that are designed for teens! I would check those out, as well as look into a moisturizer to address her specific needs!